Each game counts at this stage, with several enormous results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
